NDLEA Officer Drowns While Chasing Suspected Drug Dealer Into Delta River

Tragedy struck Obiaruku community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State after an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly drowned in the River Ethiope while pursuing a fleeing suspected drug offender.

According to community sources, the incident occurred after NDLEA operatives apprehended a suspected drug offender and took him towards the River Ethiope Bridge.

The report stated that the suspect allegedly broke free from the officers and jumped into the river in an attempt to escape arrest. The NDLEA operatives were said to have entered the river in pursuit of him.

However, the operation reportedly turned tragic when one of the officers drowned. Another officer who entered the river was reportedly rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

The suspected drug offender and other persons allegedly being pursued were said to have escaped through the river during the incident.

The deceased officer’s body was later recovered from the River Ethiope, according to reports.

The recovery was reportedly followed by traditional rites in Obiaruku associated with persons who drown in the river. Community sources said the rites had to be performed before the remains of a drowning victim could be released.

According to the account, the traditional requirements included the provision of a goat and other specified items. The rites were reportedly completed before the remains were released to NDLEA authorities.

However, the identities of the deceased officer, the surviving officer and the suspected drug offender could not be independently established at the time of filing the report.

A senior NDLEA official confirmed that the incident occurred and said an investigation was ongoing. The official added that authorities would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the actual cause of the officer’s death.